TU Delft Impact Contest

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Semi-Finalist

Interactive Image Descriptions (semi-finalist)

Existing image descriptions often lack context or detail and fail to meet the diverse needs of people with visual impairment. Preferences vary widely based on factors such as the type and onset of visual impairment, age, and personal interests. A one-size-fits-all approach to image descriptions is inadequate, highlighting the need for customizable, context-aware solutions. As mentioned in the article “The Accessible Books Consortium: what it means for publishers” by Catherline Jewell in WIPO magazine in 2018, globally, less than 10% of published works are available in accessible formats, leaving a significant gap inclusive for people with visual impairments. Accessibility and inclusivity has often been an ignored segment. This project investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) and interactive technologies can bridge this gap - and develops other integrate the solution that fits well with the need and real life scenario of target users.

Semi-Finalist

Vi-te! (semi-finalist)

Most AI assistants require screens and manual input, making them disruptive rather than helpful. Vi-te provides a hands-free, proactive AI experience, reducing cognitive load and improving accessibility for both general users and people with disabilities.

Semi-Finalist

ParaSolar (semi-finalist)

ParaSolar transforms existing surfaces, such as parasols, into energy sources by seamlessly integrating solar cells. We make sustainable energy accessible without taking up extra space.

Semi-Finalist

The Synergy Hub (semi-finalist)

We notice that teams in organisations are not harnessing the full potential of collaboration. Things like lack of vision and strategy, team misalignment, trust, defensiveness, and narcissism lead to reduced productivity and growth at best and destructive effects, at worst. Organisations and teams therefore suffer from underperformance and inefficiency, while also having members who are stressed, feeling disconnected, not feeling empowered, unable to be creative, and not feeling safe and included within their teams and organisations. Even if constructive conditions exist, collaborations still face hurdles to reach their full potential. This ultimately has an impact not only on the individuals, teams, and organisations, but on the society as a whole that would bear the costs of having members who are not thriving, happy and fulfilled.

Semi-Finalist

JUMP (semi-finalist)

The space industry is undergoing an unprecedented boom, with institutions and private companies racing to deploy new satellites and spacecraft for commercial, scientific, and technological missions. From global communications to deep-space exploration, modern space missions are more ambitious than ever. However, a major weak link threatens their success: power system failures. Reliable energy is the lifeline of any spacecraft, yet nearly 20% of mission failures stem from power system malfunction: deployment failures are particularly critical, often leaving spacecraft powerless and unable to fulfill their mission. Additionally, current designs rely on oversized, redundant, and costly power systems, increasing launch expenses and limiting efficiency. But what if we could eliminate these risks and provide a continuous energy source? JUMP explores a revolutionary alternative: harvesting energy from the Van Allen Belts and other planets' radiation fields, to supply spacecraft with uninterrupted power. This breakthrough could radically enhance mission reliability, reduce failures, and unlock new frontiers in space exploration, paving the way for an original energy solution beyond Earth's orbit.

Sircular

The semiconductor industry faces a significant silicon waste problem, with nearly 75% of the material lost during production. Current recycling rates for Si and SiC are extremely low (around 5%), and existing recycling methods are costly and inefficient. Europe’s heavy reliance on imported Si and SiC from Southeast Asia creates supply chain vulnerabilities, exacerbating risks during global semiconductor shortages. A sustainable, circular approach to silicon waste recovery is urgently needed to enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and secure a stable supply of critical raw materials.

FluentVerse

The current lack of ways to learn languages in an immersive, interactive, and personalised way. All current methods take many years, or only get you to a very basic level of speaking.

AeroLogistics

Traditional delivery systems rely on roads and ground vehicles, which are often slowed down by traffic congestion, poor infrastructure, and severe weather conditions. These delays are particularly problematic in situations where timely delivery is crucial, such as: Medical emergencies, where hospitals require blood, vaccines, or defibrillators immediately. Rural and remote communities, where supplies may take hours or days to arrive due to limited transportation options. Northern and mountainous regions, where extreme weather and impassable roads prevent access to life-saving goods. Disaster-stricken areas, where floods, landslides, or earthquakes make traditional transport impossible.

ForgeX

Veel productieprocessen, zoals verspaning, PCB-productie en spuitgieten, worden grotendeels uitbesteed aan lageloonlanden. Dit leidt tot een afhankelijkheid van externe markten, hogere logistieke kosten en minder controle over productie. Daarnaast stijgen de lonen in Europa, waardoor productie minder rendabel wordt. Door efficiëntere processen en slimmere productiesystemen kunnen we de productiekosten verlagen en lokale maakindustrie concurrerender maken. Bovendien kan dit bijdragen aan een lagere CO₂-uitstoot, doordat productie dichter bij de eindgebruiker plaatsvindt en minder transport nodig is.

Paath

Busy schedules and decision fatigue make date planning stressful, leading to last-minute or repetitive choices. Existing solutions lack personalization or require too much effort. Our app simplifies this by curating tailored date ideas based on preferences, availability, and real-time factors like weather and location, ensuring effortless and meaningful experiences.

Esmee Fransen

Jacob Perk